Proverbs 7:23

Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it [is] for his life.

Till a dart {H2671} strike {H6398} through his liver {H3516}; as a bird {H6833} hasteth {H4116} to the snare {H6341}, and knoweth {H3045} not that it is for his life {H5315}.

or like a bird rushing into a trap, not knowing its life is at stake till an arrow pierces its liver.

until an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare— not knowing it will cost him his life.

Till an arrow strike through his liver; As a bird hasteth to the snare, And knoweth not that it is for his life.

Proverbs 7:23 delivers a stark and graphic warning against the devastating consequences of succumbing to temptation, particularly sexual immorality, which is the central theme of Proverbs chapter 7. This verse concludes a vivid narrative where a foolish young man is ensnared by an adulterous woman, highlighting his ignorance of the peril he faces.

Context

This verse is the climax of the father's impassioned plea to his son, detailing the seductive methods of the "strange woman" (or adulteress) and the tragic end awaiting those who fall prey to her. The earlier verses describe her cunning words and persistent allure, drawing the naive youth into her house, unaware of the fatal journey he is on. The imagery here emphasizes the sudden, irreversible nature of the destruction that can result from a lack of wisdom and discernment.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Fatal Consequences of Sin: The phrase "Till a dart strike through his liver" is a gruesome metaphor for a mortal wound. In ancient understanding, the liver was a vital organ, and its piercing signified a fatal, irreversible injury. This powerfully illustrates that engaging in certain sins, especially sexual promiscuity, leads to profound and often permanent destruction, both physically and spiritually. It underscores the ultimate cost of folly.
  • Blindness to Danger: The simile "as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life" underscores the tragic ignorance of the victim. Like a bird captivated by bait, the young man rushes headlong into a trap without realizing the ultimate price. This highlights how temptation can cloud judgment, making a person oblivious to the imminent danger and the potential for spiritual death. The allure of sin can be so strong that it blinds one to the reality of its destructive power.
  • The Deceptiveness of Temptation: The verse emphasizes that sin often appears alluring and harmless at first, masking its true destructive nature. The "pleasures" offered by the adulteress are merely bait for a deadly snare, leading to ruin rather than fulfillment. This serves as a critical warning against superficial attractions that promise satisfaction but deliver devastation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "dart" is ḥēṣ (חֵץ), often referring to an arrow or javelin, signifying a sharp, penetrating weapon. The "liver" is kābēḏ (כָּבֵד), a vital organ that in ancient cultures was sometimes associated with the seat of life, emotions, or inner being. Its piercing thus represents a devastating, life-ending blow, indicating the total ruin of the individual. The "snare" is paḥ (פַּח), a common term for a trap, especially one used for birds, reinforcing the image of an unsuspecting victim easily caught.

Practical Application

Proverbs 7:23 serves as a timeless warning for all generations. It urges believers to exercise discernment and self-control, especially when faced with temptations that promise immediate gratification but lead to long-term harm. It reminds us that true wisdom involves understanding the hidden dangers of sin and recognizing its ultimate destination. This verse encourages us to flee from situations that could lead to moral compromise, understanding that the path of folly often appears enticing but culminates in destruction. It echoes the broader biblical principle that lust, when it has conceived, brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. We are called to be vigilant and wise, recognizing that the choices we make have profound, life-altering consequences.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:12

    For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so [are] the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.

  • Proverbs 9:18

    But he knoweth not that the dead [are] there; [and that] her guests [are] in the depths of hell.

  • Proverbs 1:17

    Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.

  • Numbers 25:8

    And he went after the man of Israel into the tent, and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel, and the woman through her belly. So the plague was stayed from the children of Israel.

  • Numbers 25:9

    And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand.

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